Composer

:

Jester Hairston

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:04

Poor Man Lazarus is a spiritual song composed by Jester Hairston in 1956. The song was premiered by the choir of the Hollywood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. The song has three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement of Poor Man Lazarus is slow and mournful. It begins with a soloist singing the first verse, which tells the story of Lazarus, a poor man who begs for food and is ignored by the rich man. The choir then joins in, singing the chorus, which asks the question, "Oh, who will come and go with me?" The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending line that emphasizes the sadness of the lyrics. The second movement of Poor Man Lazarus is more upbeat and rhythmic. It features a call-and-response between the soloist and the choir, with the soloist singing a line and the choir responding with a repeated phrase. The lyrics in this section focus on the idea of redemption and salvation, with the choir singing, "I'm gonna rise up, rise up, rise up, and go to my Lord." The third movement of Poor Man Lazarus is the most joyful and celebratory. It features a lively rhythm and a call-and-response between the soloist and the choir. The lyrics in this section focus on the idea of resurrection and eternal life, with the choir singing, "Oh, when I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away to my Lord." Overall, Poor Man Lazarus is a powerful and emotional spiritual song that tells the story of a poor man who finds redemption and salvation through his faith in God. The song's simple melody and repetitive structure make it easy to sing and remember, while its powerful lyrics and emotional themes make it a favorite among choirs and audiences alike.

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